SWAT team knocks down door of drug suspect

JENNA-LEY HARRISON
Staff Writer

Sheriff’s narcotics investigators said the Lincoln County SWAT team assisted them Thursday night in knocking down the door of an Iron Station man’s residence, locating less than half a pound of marijuana inside the home.

It was third time deputies have searched the home on 644 Low Bridge Road since Sheriff David Carpenter took office in December 2010, investigators said.

Deputies responded to the Robin Gail Rowe’s home just after 10:30 p.m. after investigating neighborhood complaint’s about potential drug use at the property for the last year, according to a department press release.

Rowe was spotted talking to a woman outside the home when narcotics officers arrived on scene, the release said. In addition to Rowe, a total of four other individuals were at the residence Thursday night but were not charged in the incident, investigators said.

The Sheriff’s Office chose to use the SWAT team since Rowe had threatened local law enforcement officers the previous two times deputies were at the residence, according to Narcotics Lt. Jason Reid.

Rowe also attempted to fortify his residence but failed to keep officers out, Reid said.

Deputies seized 170 grams of marijuana (0.37 pounds) with a street value of roughly $800, the release said. Investigators also seized some drug paraphernalia from the home.

The 55-year-old suspect faces one felony count each of possession with intent to manufacture a schedule VI controlled substance and maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for a controlled substance.

Anyone with information on possible area drug activity is asked to contact the county’s Drug Tip Line at (704) 736-8606. The narcotics division follows up on all tips, which may also remain anonymous.

Rowe has since been released from the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center on a $7,500 secured bond.

A Lincoln County judge found him guilty earlier this month of felony drug-related charges and sentenced him to probation, according to the North Carolina Department of Correction website.